WALES' leading clubs have been warned to accept a new cash deal or face poverty next season - and they must decide by 5pm today.

WALES' leading clubs have been warned to accept a new cash deal or face poverty next season - and they must decide by 5pm today.

The nine premiership clubs have until the close of business this afternoon to decide the future of the professional game in Wales after receiving a final pay offer from Welsh Rugby Union chief David Moffett.

The WRU have promised #7.5m for five provincial clubs next season - rising to #8.05m the following year.

However WRU chief executive David Moffett has threatened to slash that financial support to a crippling #4.62m between nine clubs if the deal is not accepted by the clubs.

That would give clubs an average #513,333 each, around 50 per cent less of the funding received this season.

The message has come in a letter to clubs from Moffett. The nine clubs are due to meet in Bridgend this morning for more crunch talks.

"Welsh rugby has to change," a defiant Moffett said last night. "The union and the owners can't keep throwing money at the problem.

"The #4.62m figure is what the union is required to give the clubs under the loyalty agreements - up until this moment, they have been receiving considerably more than that.

"Under the current financial climate, the union simply cannot afford more than #7.5m."